Nothing makes a glass of wine go down smoother than the company of man's best friend.
Starting Sunday, July 1, dogs are allowed to join their beer-loving humans at breweries and wineries across Virginia. Previously, only service animals were permitted inside tasting rooms. Non-service pets could sit outside vineyards as of July 2016 under specific guidelines, such as being leashed and not sitting on tables or chairs, according to WHSV-TV3 in Harrisonburg.
But now, tides have changed thanks to House Bill 286. In March, the bill was passed allowing all dogs inside licensed wineries, distilleries, and breweries, except for where food products are made.
But if you decide to bring your pooch along, make sure to check in with the tasting room beforehand because business owners still have the right to decide if dogs are allowed on their property.
Some local tasting rooms are celebrating the new law in a big way. O'Connor Brewing Company is hosting Release the Hounds on Sunday, July 1, an event highlighting the inclusion of our four-legged friends that will feature a new beer appropriately named Puppy Playdate Pale Ale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Norfolk SPCA.
Vendors will also be at the event, such as Dogtown, Give.Treat.Love, and more, to sell local, pup-friendly goods.
Want to go? Release the Hounds will take place at O'Connor Brewing Company, 211 W. 24th Street, in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday, July 1, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
If you participate, make sure you upload pictures of the event in the comments below!
